This article discusses the top ten from the US News Online MBA Programs 2025 ranking. Plunge into highlights, the consistent top performers, and notable shifts to find your ideal online MBA program.
1. Indiana University-Bloomington (Kelley)
2. University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill (Kenan-Flagler)
3. Carnegie Mellon University (Tepper)
4. University of Florida (Warrington) (tie)
4. University of Washington (Foster) (tie)
6. University of Michigan-Ann Arbor (Ross)
7. Arizona State University (Carey) tie)
7. University of Arizona (Eller) (tie)
7. University of Kansas School of Business (tie)
7. University of Southern California (Marshall) (tie)
The US News Best Online MBA Programs ranking evaluates remote MBA programs. The methodology focuses on aspects relevant to online MBA programs, distinguishing it from the assessment of on-campus MBA programs.
Engagement, which assesses the extent to which programs promote active participation and student retention, constitutes 30% of the final score. Peer Assessment, gauging the program’s esteem among academics, accounts for 25%. It reflects the intangible qualities of program excellence.
The following criteria each contribute 15% to the ranking. Faculty Credentials and Training, which measures if instructors possess the qualifications for online teaching. Student Excellence, indicating student quality based on proven aptitudes, ambitions, and accomplishments. Finally, Services and Technologies, evaluates the integration of advanced learning technologies and support services.
Now that we know how the weightings work, let’s delve into the analysis.
The top 10 online MBA programs saw some reordering in 2025. Indiana University’s Kelley Direct MBA retained its #1 spot (for the fourth year running), while the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flagler moved up from #3 to #2 and Carnegie Mellon’s Tepper slid from #2 to #3. The University of Washington (Foster) now shares a tie at #4 with the University of Florida (Warrington), which climbed from sixth place.
Perhaps the most notable jump into the top ten, the University of Michigan’s Ross Online MBA vaulted to #6 (from #16), and USC’s Marshall Online MBA fell from a third-place tie to a tie at #7. Arizona State University and the University of Arizona held their joint #7 rank, now alongside the University of Kansas (up from #9). (Previously, Rochester Institute of Technology had been in the top ten but slid to #11 in 2025.)
Leading programs distinguish themselves with strong student engagement, high-quality faculty, and innovative online delivery. Kelley’s online MBA continues its dominance – topping the list in 10 of the last 13 years – buoyed by selective admissions (29% acceptance) and seasoned faculty (averaging 9 years of online teaching).
Kelley also ranks #1 in specialties like Online General Management and Best Online MBA for Veterans. UNC Kenan-Flagler, now #2, excelled with an 85 “student excellence” score and earned the top spot for Online MBA in Finance.
While the elite ranks remained fairly stable, a few schools made big leaps. Outside the top ten, Loyola University Maryland jumped 91 places to #29, the University of California–Davis climbed 22 spots to #20, and Hofstra University leapt 15 spots to #14. These surges – along with Michigan Ross’s entry into the top tier – highlight how some emerging programs are rapidly improving their standing. Overall, the 2025 rankings reflect both steady frontrunners at the top and significant upward mobility among certain online MBA programs on the rise.
Now that we’ve analyzed the top ten, let’s explore what this means for your search for a suitable online MBA program.
The US News Best Online MBA Programs ranking provides prospective students a tool to navigate their search for online MBA education. The ranking helps identify programs that excel in student engagement, faculty credentials, and peer assessment.
If you are looking for affordability, take a look at some of the programs with the lowest tuition costs and highest ROI in the US. If you are looking for an MBA beyond the U.S., take a look at the Financial Times Online MBA ranking for 2025, which includes schools that fit their ranking criteria worldwide.
Students can use rankings as a starting point to find the best online MBA programs. However, remember that rankings are just one aspect of your decision-making process. To gain a richer understanding of programs, delve into the experiences of those who’ve walked the path before you.
Explore our ambassadors page to contact students and alumni from top MBA schools to hear their first-hand accounts.
